A Utah man at the center of a murder-suicide that killed eight people, including his five children, was memorialized as a devoted family man in a since-deleted obituary published in The Spectrum. Michael and Tausha Haight, the couple's three daughters and two sons, as well as Tausha's mother, Gail Earl, were found dead in their Enoch City home on January 4.
The bizarre obituary made no mention of the tragic killings, instead making Michael Haight out to be a model citizen and father. The obit went viral online, and after a public cry of outrage, it disappeared from the news outlet's website, but not before many took screenshots and continued to share them on social media.
Perhaps even more disturbingly, a GoFundMe account was created to help pay for the family's funeral expenses, and in the image shared with the fundraiser, Michael Haight's image is replaced with one of Jesus Christ.
Michael Haight allegedly killed his family shortly after his wife filed for divorce.
In early January, CafeMom reported that the Haight family and Earl, were found dead after police conducted a welfare check at their home. Tausha Haight missed a scheduled appointment earlier and the week, and Michael Haight did not show up to work, prompting the investigation.
Police uncovered court documents showing that Tausha Haight had filed for divorce just weeks before the killings. Many speculate that this was the driving force behind the slayings, but that motive has not been officially confirmed.
The obituary completely glosses over the gruesome killing of an entire family.
Even though Michael Haight is accused of murder-suicide, whoever wrote his obituary did not mention the crimes. Instead, they lauded him for his personal and professional successes and his dedication to his faith and family. The tribute is filled with remarks that seem contrary to the man in the news, "Michael excelled at everything he did," it read in part.
The obituary also mentioned his academic successes and involvement in the church.
"Michael lived a life of service. Whether it was serving in the church or in the community, he was willing to help with whatever was needed," it asserted.
According to the obituary, Michael was the epitome of a doting father.
Michael Haight was a father to five children, who the obituary called "truly a cherished miracle." It claims he spent "quality time" with each of the children and coached their sports teams. He was a handyman who did home-improvement projects, sledding, and "much more."
Comments from friends and family also praised Michael Haight, one calling him an example of "Christlike love."
The saintly depiction of the accused killer didn't sit well with the public.
After the obituary was shared on Twitter, the comment section was filled with anger and sadness for Tausha Haight, her mother, and the children.
"Did each family member he killed get the same glowing obituary?" someone asked.
"It's missing the part where it says "he's not survived by any of his immediate family because he murdered each of them in their home," a person tweeted.
"When I saw that no mention of the victims was made I had a feeling he might be Mormon. As a member myself I feel somethings need to be addressed within the church. The blatant disregard for the victims is just horrible," one person commented.
A GoFundMe page paints an even more disturbing image of Michael Haight.
A GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral expenses for Tausha Haight and the children, with any remaining money used to create a memorial fund in the children's names. The fundraiser uses a family photo but in it, Michael Haight's face is replaced with an image of Jesus Christ. A message from the organizer mentions the killings but not Michael Haight.
"It is with the heaviest hearts that we share the passing of Gail Earl, Tausha Haight, and her 5 beautiful children. Their lives were tragically taken too soon. All who knew them loved them so very much. There are no words to describe the heartache we feel. They will be missed immensely by their family, friends, neighbors, classmates and community," it reads in part.
Donors and commenters alike expressed their anger toward Michael Haight.
"Michael annihilated his family. That is literally what happened. He slaughtered his own children," someone wrote. "He will never, ever see heaven, and you know what, I bet a lot of you won't either with the way you're carrying on about this evil, selfish, narcissistic, psychotic man. Because only someone truly beyond god's love, beyond the love of Jesus, would MURDER his own children, his wife, and his mother-in-law."
"This man murdered his wife, children, and mother-in-law all because his wife wanted a divorce," another comment reads. "There is no way Jesus Christ would ever condone this sort of EVIL. And the fact that you're all out here claiming he's a good man? That makes you complicit too. You're evil, every last one of you, coming on this page and that horse—- obituary, crying over the loss of a weak and stupid, evil man."
The GoFundMe has raised $100,000 of its $150,000 goal.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
